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Frequently Asked Questions about the Bachelor of General Studies (BGS) Degree

Frequently Asked Questions about the Bachelor of General Studies Degree

What is the difference between a BGS degree and a BA or BS at Eastern Connecticut State University?

The Bachelor of General Studies (BGS) degree is a baccalaureate degree equivalent to a Bachelor of Arts (BA) or Bachelor of Science(BS). All students pursuing a bachelor’s degree at Eastern Connecticut State University must complete at least 120 credits with a minimum 2.0 GPA, meet all the Liberal Arts Core Curriculum (LAC) requirements, and have at least 30 credits of upper division course work, with a minimum of 15 of those credits in their major or concentration. The BGS degree is an individualized, fully accredited degree. The BGS major provides students the opportunity to customize their major and minor areas of concentration rather than adhere to the sequence of courses that are required of students in the respective BA/BS programs.

Although in the past the typical BGS student was over the age of 25 and working full-time while attending university part-time, current BGS students at Eastern Connecticut State University are broadening this conventional definition. Today, many BGS students are under the age of 25, attend school full-time while working part-time, are representative of the student body across the academic disciplines, and will earn a degree that is viable in today’s market and in post-baccalaureate studies. The predominant characteristic BGS students share no matter their age or life circumstance is that they look for flexibility in their plans of study in order to personalize their majors while meeting the academic standards of the university.

Is a BGS a “real” degree?

A baccalaureate degree awarded by an accredited college or university is a valid degree whether it is a BA, BS, or BGS degree, just as a doctoral degree from an accredited university is valid regardless of it being classified as a PhD, EdD, DFA, and the like.

Do graduates with BGS degrees find employment in positions related to their major concentrations?

Graduates with a BGS degree are offered jobs in their chosen fields of study. Employers searching for qualified college graduates generally want applicants to have relevant knowledge and experience for the advertised positions. For any recent college graduate seeking his or her first professional position, it is good practice to demonstrate both in the application and interview how one’s undergraduate study has prepared the individual for the job rather than simply state the earned degree. Unless a company indicates that it is seeking a specific bachelor’s degree, a BGS degree should meet the baccalaureate requirement.

Can someone with a BGS degree get into graduate school?

BGS graduates are admitted into graduate schools and programs across the disciplines, from MBA programs to Teaching Programs to advanced study in the Arts & Sciences. Whether an individual has a BA, BS, or BGS degree, the individual needs to meet the program’s admissions standards, which may include having the prerequisite courses necessary for advanced study in a field. All applicants seeking admission into graduate school should review each program’s requirements to determine whether they need to take entrance exams and additional coursework before applying.

How does someone gain admission into the Bachelor of General Studies Program?

In order to be admitted to the BGS program, students must be in good academic standing and must have completed 60 credits. Upon entry to the BGS program, each student completes a degree plan with a Continuing Studies and Enhanced Learning adviser. The degree plan outlines the student’s proposed plan of study and ensures that all degree and University requirements are met. For more information about the BGS Program, contact the Office of Continuing Studies and Enhanced Learning at (860) 465-0206.